Sea Turtle Conservation Program Seasonal Biol

Clearwater Marine Aquarium•Clearwater, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sea Turtle Conservation Program Associate Biologist is a seasonal, full-time position supporting Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s FWC-authorized activities during the Pinellas County sea turtle nesting season, April 1 through October 31. The position contributes to nesting surveys and documentation, nest marking and monitoring, evaluations, data entry and maintenance, regulatory reporting, and related program activities. The biologist must follow the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, CMA policies and manuals, and applicable city, state, and federal regulations. The role also supports volunteer and intern training, public education and outreach, research projects, program inventory and equipment storage, and safe operation and upkeep of CMA vehicles. It requires flexible working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. No additional benefits are granted during the seasonal employment period.

Requirements

Possess or be in the process of earning a bachelor's degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or a related field.
Have at least one season of paid or unpaid experience conducting sea turtle nesting surveys in Florida.
Know and understand the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook.
Possess a valid driver's license.
Pass a basic swim test annually.
Be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Be in good physical condition and able to perform physically demanding work outdoors in extreme weather and other outdoor conditions.
Be able to lift up to 50 pounds to waist level, walk or stand for long periods, maneuver over uneven terrain or in tight spaces, squat, bend, kneel, twist, reach, push and pull equipment, and climb ladders when needed.
Be able to ride an ATV and drive vehicles over unexpected terrain for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Strong oral and written communication skills and comfort interacting regularly with the public.
Ability to maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, interns, and municipal, county, state, and federal employees.
Ability to work in a high-stress environment.
Experience with data entry and maintenance.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Experience safely operating four-wheel-drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
Strong time-management skills and ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks.
Adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Self-motivation, confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
Paid sea turtle nesting survey experience.
Experience documenting multiple sea turtle species.

Responsibilities

Assist with daily sea turtle nesting surveys in compliance with FWC guidance, applicable laws, and CMA policies.
Identify and document nesting activity, mark nest sites, document predation, human disturbance, and hatching evidence, and enter survey data into an Excel database.
Communicate with municipal entities after surveys to allow mechanical beach cleaning to occur.
Conduct nest evaluations and work within FWC beach renourishment regulations.
Assess and document obstructed nesting attempts and disorientation events, and submit required forms to FWC.
Ensure safe release or transport of hatchlings as directed by the Supervisor, Senior Biologist, and FWC.
Assist with night monitoring of nests with FWC-approved protective measures, including restraining cages and silt screens.
Assist with response to and documentation of sea turtle stranding events.
Assist with accurate data collection, database management, and required reports, meeting applicable permit, handbook, and contract deadlines.
Assist with weekly escarpment surveys.
Assist with pre-season and in-season training of volunteers and interns on locating, identifying, and documenting nesting activity.
Prepare for and participate in educational outreach opportunities.
Inventory, store, and maintain program equipment and supplies, and communicate supply needs to the Supervisor.
Safely operate CMA vehicles on the beach and while traveling to and from CMA; assist with vehicle cleaning, maintenance, servicing, and inspections.
Understand, enforce, and help improve program standard operating procedures.
Assist with research projects and money-generating programs involving the Sea Turtle Conservation Program.
Provide information for in-house and external media outlets.
Pass the annual basic swim test and perform other duties as needed.